Classification: short story, series story, humor (I hope)
Series: Inner Strength Series, #4
Warnings: possible AU, knowledge of previous stories in series
will help this one make a lot more sense.
Summary: After Obi-Wan recovers from his illness, Qui-Gon takes
him on an day trip outside the Academy - as usual, nothing goes
as planned.
Feedback: I had such a great response to Inner Struggle, and
several requests for the series to go on, and it has :-) Hope
you enjoy it as well - please let me know if you do!
Notes: The series lives :-) Also, this hasn't been beta read,
so all mistakes, however odd *g* are my own.
Disclaimer: Um, I won them playing sabbacc? Didn't think so.
Dang it. Okay, great George, they are yours. But can I just
keep little Obi-Wan? Please? Mee-sa maka no monies.
Master Kohn watched as the group of young students piled into
the dining hall. It was the morning meal, and she hid a smile
at the sight of several of the children rubbing their eyes
sleepily. She didn't quite hide her smile, however, when she
noticed Obi-Wan among the students.
Although he was laughing, talking to a young Markonian, it had
not been long since he had been dying of Querian flu. It had
been his unexpected bond with the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn that
had brought him back from the brink of death.
"All right, children," she said after they had each taken a
seat at the oblong tables.
When Kohn had the attention of the students, she nodded her
head slightly. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Master Kohn," the trainees replied in unison.
Kohn smiled, the emotion twinkling in her violet eyes. No
matter how many groups of children she taught during her
lengthy tenure at the Academy, they rarely failed to keep her
heart light with their youthful enthusiasm.
"Today, as you know," she said eventually before the students
had time to begin squirming in their chairs, "is rest day.
After the meal, we will go to the Waterfall Gardens and enjoy
the day."
Her news was met with eager smiles and a few murmured cheers.
"For now, however, we eat," she added. "Everyone in line, you
know your order," she reminded gently. She had been teaching
the youngest trainees long enough to know that a mass rush for
the food lines could lead only to disaster.
The meal was soon finished, and Master Kohn stood. "Padawan
Jonis, if you would lead the children to the gardens."
The young Padawan bowed to Kohn. Holding out his hand, he made
the motion to rise, and the students eagerly followed the
instruction. They had just formed a rather well-formed
single-file line when Master Kohn looked directly at Obi-Wan.
"Obi-Wan." When several pairs of wide eyes turned to stare at
the chosen student she added, "I need to speak with you." As
Obi-Wan walked over toward her slowly, she smiled, the
affection again shining in her eyes. "Now, the rest of you,
have fun in the gardens."
A muted cheer erupted from the students, and they followed
Jonis from the dining area. Once they had gone, Kohn turned to
Obi-Wan. When she looked at Obi-Wan, his wide green eyes turned
up to her gaze with trepidation.
"Do not fret so, Obi-Wan. You've done nothing wrong," she said
softly. Taking a seat, she gestured to the chair next to hers.
"I simply need to ask you something."
Obi-Wan ducked his head slightly, as he was prone to do. "Yes,
Master?" he asked in a small voice.
Kohn hid her smile, saying, "First you have to look at me."
When he met her gaze, she continued. "That's better. Now, I've
had a special request."
Obi-Wan continued to look at the Master, his incomprehension
showing in the quizzical scrunch of his forehead. "For me?" he
asked before remembering that he was not to speak unless
directed to do so by the Master.
"Yes, for you," she replied, overlooking the misstep. "Master
Qui-Gon called on me a few days ago."
At the mention of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan's eyes brightened, and a
smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Master Qui-Gon asked
you about me?"
Although he still didn't understand the connection between
them, he could feel it all the same. It had been Qui-Gon who
had helped him when he was upset. However, he hadn't seen him
since he was released from the healers several days before and
Obi-Wan wasn't sure why.
"He has been away on a mission, Obi-Wan," Kohn replied, as if
reading the child's thoughts. "That's why you haven't seen
him." She fought the urge to laugh, adding, "I do believe
Master Yoda had to threaten him to go."
Obi-Wan was caught between shock and the urge to giggle.
"Really? Did he hit him with his cane?" he asked around a
laugh, his eyes open even wider than usual.
"Well, that wasn't his story, but Yoda is a much better
storyteller," she replied with a grin.
"I think Master Qui-Gon's a good storyteller," Obi-Wan said, as
much pride in his voice as he could manage.
"I imagine that you do, Obi-Wan, but you've seen a side of him
that he doesn't let many others see."
Obi-Wan shook his head slightly, puzzled. "I still don't
understand."
"One day you will understand," Kohn said with a gentle smile,
squeezing his arm slightly. "Now, do you want to hear what he
wanted?"
Again eager, Obi-Wan nodded his head. "Please?"
She had just opened her mouth to reply when she glanced over
Obi-Wan's head to the main doorway. Seeing the formidable Jedi
that was walking across the room, she closed her mouth and
glanced back down at Obi-Wan.
"He wanted to know," Qui-Gon replied from where he stood behind
Obi-Wan, "if you wanted to spend the day away from the
Academy."
Hearing Qui-Gon's voice, Obi-Wan smiled brightly, and turned
quickly in his chair. "You're back!" he said, unable to quell
the excitement in his voice.
"Late last night, matter of fact," Qui-Gon said, his eyes
bright with mirth even though no smile crossed his features.
"So, what do you say?" he asked, ruffling Obi-Wan's hair. "Want
to play hookie for the day?"
Obi-Wan had already nodded when he turned to look at Master
Kohn. "May I?"
She nodded, saying, "That's what I was trying to tell you
about, Obi-Wan."
"Do I need anything?" Obi-Wan asked, his attention already back
on Qui-Gon.
The Master shook his head, "No, I don't believe so. We won't be
gone but a few hours."
Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon, his large green eyes dancing with
excitement. "When can we leave?"
Qui-Gon met Kohn's gaze, both of the elder Jedi fighting the
urge to laugh at Obi-Wan's enthusiasm. "As soon as Master Kohn
says it's okay, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said.
Looking at Kohn, Obi-Wan asked, "Master?"
"Go on, Obi-Wan," she said smiling. "But I expect both of you
to find me as soon as you get back."
"Yes, Master," Qui-Gon said impudently, winking slyly at the
teacher.
Laughing, Kohn stood. "Get out of here you two. You're more
trouble together than apart, however that's possible."
She had just walked through the door way and fought the urge to
laugh again when Qui-Gon remarked, "Little one, I think we were
just insulted." His comment was quickly followed by a burst of
laughter from the animated little boy.
"Where are we going?" Obi-Wan asked. He was sitting as far
forward in the copilot's seat as possible, trying to see out
ahead of the small shuttle. However, he was still short enough
that most of his view was blocked by the instrument panel.
Qui-Gon checked an instrument before turning his attention to
Obi-Wan. "Do you remember what I told you about the Runian
celebration, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan glanced over at Qui-Gon before looking back out across
the sky and nodded, "Parts of it."
"Well," Qui-Gon said, glancing at the traffic in the sky around
them, "I thought we would go to the gardens where it was held.
That is, unless you don't want to hear any more about it."
Qui-Gon added the last part as an afterthought, suddenly aware
that the young boy might find it horribly boring.
He almost laughed when Obi-Wan replied, "Does this mean you'll
tell me about that other Master who gets in trouble, too?"
"That's Master Windu, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied, smiling
despite himself. "And yes, I could probably tell you a thing or
two regarding him."
Remembering what Master Kohn had said, Obi-Wan looked up at the
serious Master. "I'd rather hear about when you were little,
though."
Although Qui-Gon masked his surprise, he knew Obi-Wan felt it
all the same. "I'm not sure I could manage that many things
that would interest you."
"I don't know," Obi-Wan replied with a full grin. The Jedi
laughed outright when Obi-Wan added, "I think you caused a lot
of trouble when you were little."
"Oh you do, do you?" Qui-Gon asked, curbing his laughter. When
Obi-Wan nodded proudly, Qui-Gon shook his head. "I don't know,
Obi-Wan."
Giggling, Obi-Wan replied, "Yes you do, I can tell."
Qui-Gon rubbed a hand over his eyes. His humor shone in his
eyes when he mumbled, "I knew I should have stolen Master
Yoda's walking stick."
Obi-Wan laughed even harder, his eyes closing for a moment.
"Then you really would have gotten in trouble."
Qui-Gon shook his head dryly, and watched for a moment as
Obi-Wan continued to try and see everything around them. "You
can't see at all, can you?" he asked a moment later.
Turning to look over at the Jedi, Obi-Wan shook his head, "A
little bit. I wish I was tall like you are."
"You're only five, little one," Qui-Gon said, a faint smile on
his face. "Besides, when you're as tall as me you just hover
over everyone."
Obi-Wan laughed, his shoulders shaking with the effort. "Like
Master Yoda?"
With a nod, Qui-Gon replied, "And you." When Obi-Wan continued
laughing, Qui-Gon held out a hand. "Come here," he said with a
wave of his hand.
For a moment Obi-Wan looked at him with a confused glance, but
stood and crossed the small space between the chairs. Before he
had a chance to say anything, Qui-Gon picked him up and dropped
him in his lap. "Now can you see where we're going?" he asked
with a small grin.
His eyes open wide, Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon, and then
through the window which was no longer obscured by the
instruments. "It's so big," he said, his eyes trying to dart in
every direction at once.
"That it is," Qui-Gon said, his own attention focused on the
fascinated way Obi-Wan sought to see everything. Through their
bond, he could feel the wonder that Obi-Wan felt at being
allowed to venture outside the sterile Academy. He couldn't
help but wonder if he had ever been so wide-eyed and innocent.
"How many levels are there?" Obi-Wan asked, breaking Qui-Gon
away from his thoughts.
Blinking, the Master thought about his question for a moment.
"You know, I'm not sure exactly. I don't know if anyone
remembers anymore."
Obi-Wan tore his gaze from the sprawling artificial landscape
and looked up at Qui-Gon. "Have you ever been to the low
levels?"
Qui-Gon shook his head and had to fight the urge to laugh as
Obi-Wan's face fell. "Sorry, Obi-Wan, that was one place we
never tried to go."
"Never?" the child asked, raising his eyebrows unsure what to
believe.
His tone growing serious, Qui-Gon met Obi-Wan's gaze. "The
lower levels are dangerous places, Obi-Wan. It's easy to become
lost, or get hurt."
Obi-Wan blinked slowly, the connection he felt with the Jedi
burned with concern, even though he didn't quite understand
why.
"Don't worry about the lower levels, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon
continued. "There is enough to keep one busy for several
lifetimes up here."
Obi-Wan nodded, and without a comment turned his attention back
to the busy sky. Keeping an eye on the controls, Qui-Gon felt a
shiver of worry at the thought of the little boy disappearing
into the labyrinth of decaying buildings that formed the city's
foundation. Quickly, he released the concern, letting it wash
away into the Force. The last thing he needed was to share fear
with such a small child.
"You need to get back in your seat now," Qui-Gon said a little
while later, helping Obi-Wan down from his lap. "We're almost
to the gardens."
Once Obi-Wan was buckled into his seat, Qui-Gon turned his
attention to landing the small shuttle outside the gardens.
Stealing a glance out of the corner of his eye, he fought the
smile that he felt tugging at his lips. Although his view was
once again blocked by the panel, Obi-Wan continued to try and
look everywhere he could. It relieved Qui-Gon more than he
would have ever thought possible to still have the remarkable
little boy in his life.
A few moments later the transport set down just outside the
gardens. Qui-Gon stood, picked up the pack he had brought with
them, and opened the outer hatch. "Ready?" he asked, looking
over at where Obi-Wan stood next to the copilot's chair.
Obi-Wan nodded, and walked over to where Qui-Gon was waiting.
After helping Obi-Wan out of the transport, Qui-Gon closed the
door behind them and they walked across the narrow walkway that
led to the garden.
"There's no one here," Obi-Wan said after they walked into the
large garden dome.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "Not that many people come here
anymore. The Runian's pay to have droids keep the gardens
growing, but they rarely return."
"Is it okay for us to be here?" Obi-Wan asked. He was staring
wide-eyed at the huge garden, again trying to take in
everything at once.
Nodding, Qui-Gon placed his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, leading
him toward the center of the gardens. "I spoke with the
Ambassador yesterday. He assured me it was okay for us to
visit."
Although Obi-Wan nodded in response, he was too busy looking
overhead. A thick canopy filled part of the upper dome, and
within it several species of birds were flying to and fro.
While his attention was occupied with the colorful birds,
Qui-Gon dropped the pack onto the ground in a large clearing.
"Master Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asked a few moments later.
Qui-Gon looked up from where he was sitting. "Yes, Obi-Wan?"
"What was the celebration like?"
Qui-Gon smiled faintly at the memory. "Crowded, Obi-Wan, very
crowded."
Obi-Wan walked over to Qui-Gon and sat down. "What were the
people like?"
Qui-Gon thought for a moment, trying to decide how to best
describe the Runians. "They're very tall, but quite friendly."
"Taller than you?" Obi-Wan asked. He found it hard to believe
that anyone might be taller than the imposing Jedi.
With a nod, Qui-Gon replied, "Even the young ones were a head
taller than me."
"Wow," Obi-Wan said slowly, and started giggling at the look on
Qui-Gon's face.
"I'm not that tall, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied wryly.
Still laughing, Obi-Wan said, "You are to me."
"Ah," Qui-Gon said with the hint of a smile. "That's because
you're so small."
"You're taller than Master Kohn," Obi-Wan argued, not willing
to lose the debate.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "Master Kohn is not exactly tall,
little one."
"But you are," Obi-Wan replied, as if it proved his point.
"You are persistent, aren't you?" Qui-Gon asked, again fighting
a smile.
The boy's brow scrunched in confusion. "I'm what?"
"Persistent," Qui-Gon repeated. After a moment's thought, he
added, "You don't give up on something."
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan grinned. "I may be persis-tant," he
paused trying to get his mouth to say the word, "but you're
still tall."
"Exactly," the Master said with a laugh.
"Huh?" Obi-Wan asked, once again confused.
"Nothing, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, crossing his legs in front of
him. "So, what do you want to hear about?"
"How did the two of you got from the Academy to here?" Obi-Wan
asked after some thought.
Qui-Gon opened his mouth to reply, but then thought better of
it. "If I tell you that, how do I know you won't try it?" he
asked, again his blue eyes betraying his humor.
"I won't, I promise," the boy replied, his lower lip sticking
out slightly.
"I'll tell you this," he replied, unable to completely say no
to the boy. "It involved two transports, a series of access
tunnels and deactivating at least four droids."
Obi-Wan's excited green eyes stared up at him. "Really?"
Qui-Gon managed to not grimace as he added, "Well, that's not
counting the distraction to get past the teachers."
"What kind of distraction?" Obi-Wan asked, eager to hear the
whole story.
Qui-Gon winced as he pictured the teachers reaction to their
distraction. Obi-Wan's eager laughter rolled across their bond,
and Qui-Gon smiled although he shook his head. "Sorry, I'm
really not putting that idea in your head."
Obi-Wan's shoulders slumped. "The Masters always end the
stories before the good parts."
Qui-Gon did laugh at that. "Well, we have to save something to
tell you when you become Padawans."
Looking at the Master with trusting eyes, Obi-Wan asked,
"Promise?"
As Qui-Gon watched the young child, he had the feeling that the
Force had taken control. In one moment in a deserted hallway,
it had mapped out much of his future. "I promise," he replied.
Grinning, the boy said, "Good." He thought for a moment, and
added with a grin, "I'll remember that."
"I have no doubt of that," the Jedi replied.
They had just finished eating the lunch that Qui-Gon had
brought with them when Obi-Wan thought for a moment and asked,
"You never told me, what did Master Windu do so that he
couldn't go to the cake eating contest?"
Qui-Gon smiled slowly, the thought crossing his mind that Mace
would probably not care for him passing along stories to the
children. Shaking the concern aside, Qui-Gon said, "We
jury-rigged a couple of droids in the gardens to squirt water
on anyone who walked by."
The boy gasped, before smiling. "You helped?"
Qui-Gon colored slightly, caught by his slip of the tongue.
"Well, Master Windu was the one found responsible."
"But you said we,'" Obi-Wan pointed out helpfully.
"So I did," the Jedi relented. "It was days before he forgave
us for not getting in trouble, too."
Obi-Wan laughed, his eyes sparkling. "Did he get you back for
it?"
"A Jedi does not seek revenge, Obi-Wan."
His smile not fading, the young boy pressed, "But?"
Again, Qui-Gon rubbed a hand over his face. "He was who told
Master Yoda we were at the cake eating contest."
"So he did get you back," Obi-Wan laughed.
The stoic Master looked at the student straight-faced for a
moment before smiling. With a rueful shake of his head, he
replied, "Yes, I'd say Mace got even."
"Mace?"
"Master Windu, Obi-Wan. That's his first name," Qui-Gon
explained, ruffling Obi-Wan's hair. "But you should refer to
him as Master Windu."
With a nod, Obi-Wan said, "Yes, sir." He was quiet for a moment
before saying, "How did you fix the droids to shoot water?"
Picking up the remnants from lunch, Qui-Gon looked over his
shoulder at Obi-Wan. "You realize if I told you that, Master
Yoda would be after both me and Master Windu."
With an innocent face only one so young could manage, Obi-Wan
replied, "But aren't you used to it by now?"
Qui-Gon sighed, and looked skyward before turning back toward
Obi-Wan. "Little one, I see much trouble in your future as
well."
Giggling, Obi-Wan said, "Are you worried if I get in trouble
you'll get in trouble, too?"
Afer thinking for a moment, Qui-Gon realized that he was
probably speaking the truth. He knew Yoda well enough to know
the small Master would quickly make a connection. "Let's go for
a walk, okay?" Qui-Gon asked, avoiding Obi-Wan's comment.
"Okay," Obi-Wan replied, but giggled again anyway.
They had been walking through the dense foliage around the edge
of the garden for a little while when Qui-Gon asked, "How have
classes been since you were released from the healers?"
"Fine," the boy replied non-commitally.
"Just fine?" Qui-Gon asked, looking down at Obi-Wan.
Nodding, Obi-Wan said, "I'm glad to be away from the healers."
With a small laugh, the Jedi commented, "Yes, you were rather
stir crazy by the time you were released."
"It was so boring there," Obi-Wan said, rolling his eyes. "I
couldn't do anything."
"And you missed your friends," Qui-Gon added.
Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon, not quite able to make out his
eyes. "You were there."
Qui-Gon glanced down at Obi-Wan, so that the child could see
the smile on his face. "Where else would I have been?"
The student thought for a moment before asking, "Did Master
Yoda make you go away?"
Kneeling down next to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon replied, "There was a
mission, my presence was requested by one of the ambassadors."
Obi-Wan's disappointment forgotten, he looked at the Jedi
Master in awe. "They asked just for you?"
Nodding, Qui-Gon suppressed his smile, and replied, "It happens
occasionally that only one Jedi will be able to handle a task.
When this happens, it is our place to go where we are asked."
With a smile, Obi-Wan asked, "But did he hit you with his
cane?'
His eyes twinkling, Qui-Gon replied, "Sorry to disappoint you,
Obi-Wan. I escaped that this time."
"But he's done it before?" Obi-Wan asked when they were again
walking though the garden.
"Yes, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied.
Obi-Wan snuck his hand into Qui-Gon's, asking, "Did it hurt?"
Qui-Gon looked down at the small hand in his own, speechless
for a moment because of the small gesture. A moment later, he
commented, "Yes, Obi-Wan. Why is it you're so curious about
Master Yoda?"
Laughing, the child replied, "Cause he's the only Master as
short as me."
"Master Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan asked a little while later, tugging
on his hand.
Again Qui-Gon kneeled next to Obi-Wan. He brushed a lock of
hair out of the boy's eyes. "Yes, little one?"
"Can I ride on your shoulders?" Obi-Wan asked tentatively. When
Qui-Gon didn't reply right away, he dropped his eyes. "I'm
sorry. Just forget I asked."
Qui-Gon shook his head. Looking at the child, he found himself
again surprised by the wonders of being young. "Don't be sorry.
You just surprised me, that's all."
"It's okay, you don't have to," Obi-Wan said, still not looking
at the Jedi.
He had never been one to interact with the children at the
Academy, much less take such an active part in their lives.
However, this one boy had worked his way into his heart,
nonetheless. "Well, I must admit it's not something I've ever
been asked."
Placing a hand under Obi-Wan's chin, he tilted the boy's gaze
to meet his own. "Why do you want to ride on my shoulders?"
Obi-Wan giggled, although he hadn't meant to, earning a smile
from Qui-Gon. He paused for a moment before saying, "Since you
are that tall . . ."
"So you want to see the garden from the top?" Qui-Gon asked
with a straight face.
Nodding, he replied, "If that's okay."
With a laugh, Qui-Gon picked Obi-Wan up and placed him on his
shoulders. "I don't seem to say no to you very often." When
Obi-Wan laughed at the comment, Qui-Gon realized why that was
true. It was the same as when Obi-Wan had been sick, he merely
wanted the boy to have all the happiness he deserved.
They had been walking for a few moments when Qui-Gon asked, "So
how is the view from up there?"
Obi-Wan laughed, "I like it! I can see a lot more." He
continued looking around, and asked, "Did you ever ride on
someone's shoulders?"
Qui-Gon shook his head, stifling a laugh, "No, I was always
this tall."
"That's not true," Obi-Wan said, giggling happily.
"How do you know?"
Still laughing, Obi-Wan leaned forward till he could see
Qui-Gon's face, blocking Qui-Gon's view entirely. "Because it
doesn't work that way."
"Oh really?" Qui-Gon asked dryly.
Obi-Wan nodded seriously, sitting up straight again. "Really."
A glint of humor in his eyes, Qui-Gon replied, "I'll have to
remember that."
"So? Have you?" Obi-Wan asked, ignoring Qui-Gon's comment.
With a shake of his head, the Master replied, "No, I can't say
as I have, Obi-Wan."
"That's too bad," Obi-Wan said, his laughter stopping. "Cause
it's a lot of fun."
"I'll just take your word for it," Qui-Gon replied, just before
walking toward a tree with low hanging branches. When he
noticed Obi-Wan pushing at the branches and laughing, he
glanced up, "Oh, did I walk into a tree?"
Laughing, Obi-Wan put his hands over Qui-Gon's eyes. "Let's see
if you walk into any more trees now."
"I'm sure I can," Qui-Gon said, reaching through the Force to
be sure he didn't trip. "Let's see, that tree over there should
do," he added, angling toward a tall, leafy tree.
When they were almost to the tree, Obi-Wan started laughing
again, pulling his hands from Qui-Gon's eyes. "I believe you,"
he said with a grin, wrapping his arms around Qui-Gon's neck.
"What kind of bird is that?" he asked quickly, pointing toward
the canopy.
Glancing at the bird, the Jedi replied, "That is a jungia
bird."
"Neat," Obi-Wan said quietly, watching the bird as it soared
amongst the large trees. Qui-Gon merely smiled, and kept
walking.
They were almost back to the center of the garden when a bright
flash snaked across the sky. "What was that?" Obi-Wan asked,
his grip on Qui-Gon's shoulders tightening. He looked up,
trying to see through the canopy of trees where the birds had
suddenly took to flight.
Titling his head up as best he could with Obi-Wan still on his
shoulders, Qui-Gon replied, "Sounds like an electrical storm is
starting."
"Are we safe here?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to make his voice
sound not so small while eyeing the darkening sky warily.
Lifting Obi-Wan from his shoulders, Qui-Gon set him on his
feet. "We're perfectly safe, Obi-Wan. We'll just have to wait
out the storm."
"We can't just fly back to the Temple?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. "Sorry, Obi-Wan. These storms are too
dangerous to fly through."
Sitting next to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon watched as the child flinched
with the next burst of lightning. "Do you not like storms?"
The child shook his head, settling down close to Qui-Gon. "I'm
not scared."
The Jedi Master smiled softly, shaking his head. "I didn't mean
that you would be, Obi-Wan."
After a loud rumble of thunder, Obi-Wan scurried closer to
Qui-Gon. His eyes still on the translucent dome, he asked, "Do
they usually last long?"
"Not usually," he replied, ruffling Obi-Wan's hair. "There's no
reason we won't get back to the Temple when we're expected."
When Obi-Wan simply sat there, his gaze not leaving the raging
sky, Qui-Gon decided to try and distract him. He could tell the
storm was frightening the boy more than he would admit.
"Obi-Wan, would you like to hear about the time Master Windu
and I managed to fry our lightsabers?"
His attention distracted from the storm, Obi-Wan looked at
Qui-Gon. "How did you do that?"
Qui-Gon took a deep breath, glanced back up at the storm, told
himself it was for a good cause and pressed forward. "We set
off the sprinklers in the Meditation Garden."
His eyes opening wide, Obi-Wan laughed, his fright forgotten
for the moment. "How?" the child finally managed to ask.
"Just remember this piece of advice, okay, Obi-Wan?" When he
nodded, Qui-Gon said, "Never try to build a fire in the
Meditation Gardens. No matter who tells you that everyone does
it their last year at Temple."
Laughing, Obi-Wan grinned at Qui-Gon. "Did you get in very much
trouble?"
"You don't want to have to clean the garden, Obi-Wan. Trust me
on this."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan managed around a fit of giggles.
Qui-Gon nodded, "Besides the fact one of the Masters made us
rebuild our lightsabers. He said something about remembering .
. ."
He was cut off by a loud blast just outside the garden. In the
same instant, Obi-Wan attached himself to Qui-Gon's arm. "It's
okay," the Mater soothed, wrapping the shaking student in a
hug. Obi-Wan held onto Qui-Gon tightly, his gaze never leaving
the area where the noise had occurred. "Why don't we go see
what it was, okay?" Qui-Gon asked a moment later, easily
feeling the fear radiating from Obi-Wan.
The boy nodded, sparing a second to glance at Qui-Gon, "Okay,"
he said in a small voice.
Qui-Gon stood, still holding Obi-Wan. He paused for a moment,
his heart softened when Obi-Wan laid his head on the Jedi's
shoulder. Qui-Gon walked to the edge of the garden, near the
door, still carrying Obi-Wan.
Once they reached the clear wall, Qui-Gon squinted against the
early darkness. When another flash of lightning ripped through
the sky, he was able to make out the transport they had flown
to the gardens. Rather, he saw what remained of it. He realized
that the noise they had heard was a bolt of lightning striking
the transport.
"Well," he said a moment later when he felt that Obi-Wan had
seen the ruined transport as well, "I guess I won't be flying
us back."
Wide eyes turned up to Qui-Gon. "Are we stuck here?"
"We'll be fine, little one," the Jedi assured the small child,
still holding him tight.
"Okay," Obi-Wan whispered, again laying his head down on
Qui-Gon's shoulder.
Qui-Gon blinked, warmed by the trust he could feel Obi-Wan
placed in him. With a final glance at the smouldering
transport, he walked back to the center of the garden.
The garden was lit by an artificial lighting system, which also
served to heat the lush dome. They had just sat down on the
grass when a sizzling noise filled the air.
Obi-Wan, who had moved to sit next to Qui-Gon, instead of in
his lap, stiffened nervously. He was glancing around the garden
uneasily when the lights flickered ominously. "What was that?"
he asked.
Resting a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, Qui-Gon squeezed it
reassuringly. "I'm sure the back up power system just had to
kick in."
A moment later, the lights flickered again, but this time
didn't come back to life. Sitting in the darkness, Qui-Gon felt
as much as saw Obi-Wan tense. "Master Qui-Gon?" he asked in a
small voice.
"I'm right here, Obi-Wan. Everything's fine."
When the lights hadn't turned back on after several moments,
Qui-Gon let out a long breath. "This storm is lasting longer
than I would have expected," he admitted reluctantly.
"Are we going to be okay here?" Obi-Wan asked, forcing himself
to be brave no matter how much he didn't like storms.
Qui-Gon smiled faintly, and nodded although he doubted the boy
could see it. "Yes, Obi-Wan. We'll be fine." He thought for a
moment and added, "But we could probably use some light."
"How?" Obi-Wan asked, his focus again distracted somewhat from
the storm.
Qui-Gon pulled out his lightsaber. Holding it away from where
he knew Obi-Wan to be sitting, he pressed the power button. The
green blade glowed to life, casting odd shadows in the garden.
Qui-Gon glanced over at Obi-Wan in time to see him smile, his
eyes wide as he stared at the humming blade. "Wow," he said
softly.
Shaking his head slightly, Qui-Gon's eyes betrayed the humor he
sought to control. "You'll have one, too, someday. But it's not
a toy, Obi-Wan."
"I know," the boy replied, nodding his head absently. A moment
later, Obi-Wan shivered, pulling his knees up to his chest.
"What's wrong?" Qui-Gon asked, concerned.
Glancing up at Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around his
knees. "It's getting cold in here."
"Then," the Jedi said a moment later, realizing the heaters
were offline as well, "I should probably build a fire." When
Obi-Wan started laughing, Qui-Gon looked at him confused at the
sudden shift in emotion. "What's so funny?" he asked, almost
afraid to find out.
Grinning, Obi-Wan met Qui-Gon's gaze. "I thought you said not
to start fires in the gardens."
Fighting the urge to rub his eyes, Qui-Gon shook his head. He
knew those stories would come back to haunt him, although
admittedly not quite so soon. "I'm a bit older now, Obi-Wan,"
he explained. "That's something else they teach you as a
Padawan - how to control a fire."
Although Obi-Wan continued to giggle at him, Qui-Gon was glad
that he was finally completely distracted from the unexpected
turn of events. A few moments later, a carefully controlled
fire roared to life in front of them.
"How's that?" Qui-Gon asked, turning his lightsaber off and
securing it onto his belt.
Obi-Wan scooted up next to the fire, although still sitting
near Qui-Gon. "It's not cold anymore," he commented, "and it's
not so dark."
Hiding his grin, Qui-Gon replied, "Then I'd say we're set to
wait out this storm." When Obi-Wan yawned, he added, "It's
getting late, Obi-Wan. Why don't you go to sleep?"
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan moved next to Qui-Gon. "Don't wanna."
"Why's that?"
Snuggling under Qui-Gon's arm, Obi-Wan replied, "Cause then who
would you have to talk to?"
Brushing Obi-Wan's hair out of his eyes, Qui-Gon smiled. "You
don't have to worry about entertaining me."
"But I want to hear more stories," the boy said, sitting up
straighter. "I might not get another chance. You could get
tired of talking to a little kid."
Qui-Gon's eyes widened, caught off guard by Obi-Wan's comment.
"Why do you think I'd get tired of you?"
The Master felt Obi-Wan shrug. "I don't know."
Hugging the child, Qui-Gon filled the bond between them with
love. "Don't worry about that, little one. I could never get
tired of you."
"Promise?" Obi-Wan asked, his wide green eyes meeting Qui-Gon's
deep blue eyes.
Qui-Gon nodded without thought, when it came to Obi-Wan, the
Master found himself flying on instinct most of the time. "I
promise."
When Obi-Wan didn't reply, he looked down to see his eyes
fighting to stay open. "Go to sleep, Obi-Wan."
"But . . ."
With a shake of his head, Qui-Gon replied, "No buts, little
one. You've had a long day."
"Will Master Kohn be worried?" Obi-Wan asked, not yet willing
to go to sleep.
"I'm sure she'll understand," Qui-Gon replied. After watching
as Obi-Wan slowly fell asleep, Qui-Gon shrugged his cloak off
of his shoulders.
Careful to not let Obi-Wan fall over while he pulled the robe
off, he then wrapped it around the drowsy boy. When Obi-Wan
looked down at the cloak and then up at Qui-Gon, he explained,
"I don't want you getting cold while you're asleep."
When Obi-Wan lay down on the ground, part of the cloak bunched
up under his head for a pillow, Qui-Gon had to fight the urge
to smile at the small child dwarfed in the large robe.
Snuggling into the soft robe, Obi-Wan yawned. "Night, Master
Qui-Gon."
Sitting next to him, Qui-Gon brushed Obi-Wan's hear off his
forehead. "Good night, little one."
Qui-Gon listened as Obi-Wan's breathing deepened and slowed,
the boy having finally given in to the lure of sleep. He
continued to absent-mindedly brush his hand through Obi-Wan's
hair. After a few moments, Qui-Gon found that he could sense
the dreams that Obi-Wan was seeing as he slept.
It was over two hours later that the storm finally began to die
down outside the garden. Glancing up, Qui-Gon could see the
fading storm, along with several breaks in the harsh clouds,
although no stars were bright enough to shine through.
Obi-Wan stirred slightly in his sleep, and the Jedi touched his
forehead softly. Reaching out through the Force, he surrounded
him with waves of calm, soothing away the darkened dreams. When
the child settled again, Qui-Gon rubbed his own temples
tiredly.
He had just began to wonder how he was going to get them back
to the Jedi Temple when he heard someone walking though the
garden. Qui-Gon stood, his hand dropping next to his
lightsaber. His concern dissipated, however, when he heard a
faint curse from the direction of the noise.
"Mace? Is that you?" Qui-Gon called out softly, hoping to not
wake the sleeping child near him.
"Yes it's me, who else would dig through this place to find
you?" Windu muttered back, not as quietly. "Ouch," he grumbled
after tripping on a root hidden in the dark.
Qui-Gon hid his laughter. "It's not that difficult," he
commented. "And keep it down, will you?"
Walking into the small central clearing, Mace brushed several
leaves from his cloak. "What possessed you to come back here,
anyway?"
Glancing over at the sleeping Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon replied, "A
promise of sorts."
Windu's gaze fell on Obi-Wan. "This is the little boy, I take
it?"
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon supplied.
"Another pet project?" Mace asked with a hint of humor in his
eyes. "You're rather well known for them."
"Not exactly," Qui-Gon said, matching his friend's humor. With
a half-laugh, he added, "It's more like the Force grabbing me
by the throat."
Mace nodded, "When I returned a few days ago, I was told they
had to drag you away from the infirmary."
Qui-Gon closed his eyes for a moment. "It was Querian flu," he
explained. "I may not be able to explain the bond I feel, but I
knew there was no way I could let him die."
"Like Bri," Windu guessed. When Qui-Gon nodded, he looked
closely at the small child. "A bond that strong with someone so
young?"
With a nod, Qui-Gon said, "He's strong, Mace. Very strong, and
special."
Windu smiled, "I haven't seen you interested in a child's life
before. Especially since . . ."
"Xanatos."
When his friend nodded seriously, Qui-Gon added, "I was walking
through the Temple, readying to leave for a mission when I
heard a cry." He paused, forcing himself to continue explaining
the events to his friend. "He had hidden himself away in a
maintenance room because he was bothered by his memories of his
family's death."
"And you found him," Mace surmised.
Qui-Gon nodded. "And ever since I cannot imagine a future
without him there."
"Kohn told me how the two of you act." He grinned, "She seems
to think you're both going to cause her a great many
headaches."
"You know me better than that, Mace," Qui-Gon tried to argue.
A broad smile filled the stocky Jedi Master's features.
"Exactly. I remember quite well how you acted at that age. She
is right in her worry."
A thought occurred to Qui-Gon, "How did you know to look for us
here?"
"When the gardens were damaged, the Runian Ambassadors were
notified. The ambassador you spoke with about visiting here
contacted the Temple, and I volunteered to find you."
Qui-Gon grinned slyly, "How kind of you, Mace."
"Yeah, well, we're even for that little Trinh Four incident,"
Windu replied.
At that, Qui-Gon did laugh. "I still say you were in no danger
then, the king's daughters only wanted to play."
The other Jedi shivered, "Play isn't exactly how I would put
it. It's bad enough there were three of them, but they each had
four arms."
"I managed to talk the King out of the ceremony didn't I?"
Qui-Gon asked.
"And I'm here now," Mace replied sarcastically. "So, lets go."
Qui-Gon nodded, "Wait a moment, I'll get Obi-Wan. Get my pack,
will you?"
Windu retrieved Qui-Gon's bag, and carefully extinguished the
fire. Turning, he watched as Qui-Gon gently picked up the
sleeping child, still wrapped in the Master's robe. He waited
until Qui-Gon walked over to him before saying, "I think this
child will be good for you, my old friend."
Qui-Gon glanced down at the small face which rested against his
shoulder. In an uncharacteristically soft tone, he replied, "I
know so."
They had just settled down onto the transport that had brought
Master Windu to the gardens when Obi-Wan woke. "Master
Qui-Gon?" he asked in a small voice, rubbing his eyes sleepily
with the backs of his hands.
"Yes, Obi-Wan?" he asked, glancing down at the boy.
Obi-Wan looked around, his gaze finally landing on the
unfamiliar Jedi. "Where are we?"
Qui-Gon laughed softly. "Master Windu here found us." Pointing
to the other Jedi, he added, "Obi-Wan, this is Master Windu.
Mace, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
When Obi-Wan held out his hand, Mace shook it with a glance at
Qui-Gon, who was fighting the urge to laugh again. Obi-Wan
however, broke into a wide smile. "Hi Master Windu," he said,
his smile not fading.
"Hello to you, too. I've heard lots about you," Windu said to
the child, who merely laughed out loud.
Turning his gaze to Qui-Gon, Windu raised his eyebrows.
Qui-Gon, in turn, shook his head and hoped that Windu didn't
notice the blush that tinged his cheeks.
He had no such luck, however, when Windu said to Obi-Wan,
"Whatever he told you about me, I can tell you worse about
him."
Obi-Wan giggled brightly. "Really?" he asked, his excitement
tinging his words.
"Oh, yes, I'd say so," Windu replied, smiling evilly at
Qui-Gon. "Don't you think, Qui-Gon?"
The Jedi Master groaned softly, fighting the urge to run and
hide. If Obi-Wan could unnerve him more easily than anyone he
knew, Mace could embarrass him. "This could get out of hand,"
he muttered under his breath.
"You started it," Mace said innocently, to which Obi-Wan
laughed helplessly.
Qui-Gon's mouth turned up at the edges, feeling Obi-Wan's
happiness through their bond. "No," he corrected, "this little
one started it, I believe."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Me?" he asked innocently.
"Yes you," Qui-Gon said, tickling the small child, who began
giggling.
Windu smiled, and gave Obi-Wan a wink, "I think you need to
keep him in line, Obi-Wan." With a glance at his friend, he
added, "Because I'd say he needs it."
Meeting Mace's gaze, Qui-Gon said, "Obi-Wan, would you like to
hear Master Windu's Yoda impersonation?"
Wide eyes turned up to Windu. "Can I? Does Master Yoda know you
can talk like him?"
This time it was Mace who groaned. "Qui-Gon, I will get you
back for this."
"Did he ever hit you with his cane?" Obi-Wan asked around a
laugh.
Qui-Gon shook his head, "Obi-Wan, what is your obsession with
Master Yoda hitting us with his cane?"
Turning his attention to Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan grinned. "I like
knowing Masters get in trouble, too. It's like you're just
little kids too," he announced happily.
"He's got you there," Windu noted.
With a shake of his head, Qui-Gon replied, "You're not much
better."
"See?" Obi-Wan asked, grinning. "You even argue like we do."
"We're not arguing," Qui-Gon said.
"Exactly," Mace agreed, "we just discuss things like this a
lot."
Obi-Wan looked back and forth between the two Jedi Masters
before snuggling back into the folds of Qui-Gon's cloak and his
lap. "How long till we get home?" Obi-Wan asked, still smiling
brightly.
"An hour or so, why?" Qui-Gon asked, wrapping his arms around
the small boy.
Shrugging, Obi-Wan yawned. "No reason."
"I'm going to speak with the pilot," Windu said a moment later.
Qui-Gon nodded in return, and returned his gaze to Obi-Wan.
"You should sleep some more, little one. It's still late."
Obi-Wan smiled softly, "You're always telling me to go to
sleep."
"You were ill, that doesn't count."
"And now?" Obi-Wan asked, his eyes dropping closed.
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